Two wing maintainers compete at 22nd AF level

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's operations officer and an aircraft mechanic were recently recognized at Team Dover's Maintenance Group Annual Awards Banquet here.
 
Capt. John Foran, the Reserve Associate Maintenance Officer of the Year, led squadron personnel in launching more than 63,000 tons of cargo in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. He led teams on two deployments, assisting in the take-off of more than 40 C-5 aircrafts with greater than a 90 percent on-time departure reliability rate. 

He reduced reportable unit mishaps more than 65 percent by creating awareness with in-house safety spot inspections and revised the unit Employee Safety and Health Record Policy, earning laudatory comments during the 2007 512th Airlift Wing Unit Safety Inspection, said Chief Master Sgt. Fred Eason, 512th AMXS maintenance superintendent chief. 

"This is an honor in that we are being recognized by active duty for our contributions and is indicative of the Team Dover concept," said Captain Foran, who has been in the AF Reserve for seven years. 

Tech. Sgt. James Blake, the Reserve Associate Maintenance Technician of the Year, displayed technical skills and managerial expertise as a team leader in the recovery, repair, servicing and launch of numerous C-5 mission aircraft in direct support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. He managed personnel and coordinated cargo uploads during last minute tail swaps to ensure on-time departures of critical mission aircraft. 

He has amassed more than 500 hours as a flying crew chief, keeping the C-5 mission moving in austere locations throughout the world, said Chief Eason. 

"I appreciate my supervisors for putting me in for this award," said Sergeant Blake, who has served 23 years in the Air Force, three of those on active-duty. "It feels great." 

Both award winners are currently competing at the 22nd Air Force level. 

"These two individuals not only did their job requirements, they also had additional duties to undertake in squadron safety," said Chief Eason. "Overall, they really went above and beyond all others this year."